Ptilinum
- Pronunciation
- /TIL-in-um/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Ptilinum
- Plural
- Ptilinia
Definition
A specialized inflatable structure found on the head of flies in the family Muscidae, used to help them emerge from their pupal cases.
Etymology
Latin *ptilinum*, meaning 'feather'.
Example
The ptilinum of a housefly is essential for its emergence from the pupal case.